Baby Massage

Mothers have massaged their babies for centuries all over the world, passing the gentle art down for generations. In the west however we seem to have lost our way with touch. Flying Start talks to baby massage trainer Tammy McLellan about how the art form is now re-establishing itself  

The early stages of parenthood can be particularly challenging. Babies benefit from secure holding and touch but often inexperience with babies can make parents nervous and perhaps afraid to touch them. New parents can also struggle to understand their infant. When a baby cries and a parent doesn’t know how to handle it a downward spiral can develop, leaving parents feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.

Principal Trainer at the Scottish School of Child and Baby Massage, Tammy McLellan, moved to Scotland from Canada 20 years ago and trained in therapeutic massage before beginning practicing. When she gave birth to her daughter it seemed the most natural thing in the world to massage her and it is now a tool she would be sorry to be without.  

Tammy explains how baby massage can help anxious parents: “In a calm, peaceful environment, parent and baby get an opportunity to relax and get to know each other. Parents will gain more confidence in handling their babies and have a chance to truly listen and watch their infants.”

There are many benefits to massage, but it is not a trick or a ‘one-off’ effort.  It is a new skill that takes a little time and effort for both parent and child to learn (about an hour a week for three to six weeks). The benefits include: 


Bonding – The massage creates a unique time between parent and child, tuning out the busy outside world and enjoying a special time together. This can be especially valuable where parents are returning to work, and also for anyone who has experienced difficulty or a delay in bonding (through post-natal depression, special needs, adoption, hospitalisation, etc.). Tammy says: “When Mum is the main care-giver and particularly when she is breastfeeding, Dad can feel left out. Massage is a perfect way to include him and also give Mum much needed time out.”  

Colic and Constipation – By stimulating the gut, massage helps digestion and the movement of gas. This can lessen colic considerably and can work a treat with constipation. It helps to have someone teach you these strokes, as the pressure and direction of the stroke is important in order to have the desired effect.

Restlessness – Often, a massage incorporated into the nighttime routine can help children to sleep longer and better. If nothing else, it can help to soothe and calm a child. 

To relieve pain and discomfort – Massage helps prevent some pain impulses being registered in the brain and can cause a rise in endorphins. This can particularly help babies who are birth traumatized and fractious.

Strokes to try: 

First, find some plain vegetable oil such as grape seed or sweet almond oil. Don’t use petroleum based products as they can dry out the babies’ skin and you should only use natural products incase they suck their hands.  

Next, as you and your baby are learning something new, choose a time when you are relaxed and baby is as happy and content as possible, making sure the room is warm. Take off what jewellery you can, lay baby on a towel on the floor in front of you and undress their bottom half. 

Talk to your baby about what you are doing. Look at them and ask if they would like a massage. Tammy says: “This may seem silly, but from an early age you are teaching them respect for their own body. It also helps you to cue in and pay closer attention to see if they are ready. If the baby is fussing, pick them up, hold them and make sure that their other needs are met before you begin the massage.”  

Rub some oil in your hands to warm them up and hold the top of your baby’s leg. Then, hand over hand, milk all the way down to the foot at least six times. Make sure you have enough oil so you can use a firm pressure (if it is too light it is over-stimulating and ticklish).

Then, go over the top and the bottom of the foot and play with the foot. Pretend your thumb/finger is a caterpillar and inch your way from the heel of your baby’s foot up under each toe, in five lines. Squeeze and roll the toes (if baby lets you) and draw little circles around the ankle bone. 

Now, apply more oil and do the same thing with the other leg and foot. Then do the same with the arms and the hands whilst talking or singing to your baby. The sound of your voice, along with your eyes, your smell and your smile not only give your baby a wonderful sensory experience, but tells them that you are there for them. 

Tammy says: “If you have enjoyed these strokes and want to find out more, contact your health visitor or local complementary health centre about baby massage classes. There are a variety of classes around the country though coverage is not complete. But by you asking and showing there is an interest, it may help to get more people trained.” 

 

The following contra-indications (when not to massage) should be taken into account:

 

Do not wake baby for the massage.

Never force any of the movements in massage and do not go against the baby’s will. 

Do not massage a baby when they are hungry or have just been fed. For breast-fed babies, wait 20 minutes or so, depending on how big a feed it was. For babies on solids, wait 45 minutes or so.

After immunisations wait about 24 hours to see if the baby is okay. Massage only if well and avoid the injection site. After a week or so, when the injection site is no longer sensitive, gently massage the bump to help break it down. If in doubt, consult a doctor / health visitor.

When ill, babies do not want to be massaged and their fussing will tell you this, particularly if they normally enjoy a massage. They may like a hand, foot or part of their face stroked to soothe and calm but in general they will just want to be held.

If baby is receiving medical treatment, check with GP / consultant or other health care professionals that massage is suitable. Sometimes massage may be more suitable once medical treatment is finished, equally it may help parent and child through a traumatic time.

Do not massage recently bruised or broken skin. Once bruised skin has turned yellow/brown it may be massaged gently. If the child has eczema, the eczema cream can be used during the massage. Alternatively, grapeseed oil can be used on eczema as it has been shown to have beneficial effects.

In general, listen and watch your baby. They will tell you soon enough if something is wrong, and through experience, a parent will come to understand what their baby needs. If ever in doubt, stop a massage and consult a qualified professional.

 Further Info:‘Loving Hands’ by Frederick LeBoyer‘Baby Massage’ by Peter Walker‘Infant Massage - Handbook for Loving Parents’ by Vimala Schneider McClureIf you wish to know more about training or have any questions about baby massage contact:Tammy McLellan - Scottish School of Child and Baby MassageTel: 01506-637566 / Fax: 01506 637550 / Email: info@babymassage.org.uk / www.babymassage.org.uk

 Click to visit Flying Start's Baby Massage Directory